Vital Impacts Environmental Photography Fellowships & Mentorships 2027 | Up to $20,000 for Documentary Storytelling

The Vital Impacts Environmental Photography Fellowships & Mentorships 2027 are now open for applications from photographers and visual storytellers worldwide. Organized by Vital Impacts, this prestigious international program provides financial support and year-long mentorship to photographers documenting environmental and conservation stories centered on communities creating meaningful solutions.

For the 2027 edition, Vital Impacts will award one $20,000 fellowship for an established environmental photographer, six $5,000 fellowships for emerging photographers, and ten mentorships for visual storytellers seeking professional guidance. In addition, one fellowship recipient will be selected to exhibit their completed project during the 2027 Festival of Ethical Photography in Lodi, Italy, with fully funded travel, accommodation, and exhibition costs.

The fellowship supports long-term documentary projects rather than short-term assignments over a 12-month development period. Throughout the fellowship, recipients receive ongoing guidance from experienced members of the Vital Impacts mentorship community to strengthen narrative development, editing, project strategy, and long-term career growth. All recipients must adhere to the Vital Impacts Code of Ethics.